Benefit will help raise funeral funds for Emkens family murder victims

GRAND RAPIDS -- A benefit has been announced to raise funeral funds for the Emkens family, which lost three family members in the murder spree by Rodrick Dantzler. It will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at Diamond Hall, 435 Diamond NE, Grand Rapids, supporters announced. The benefit will be followed by a candle light vigil at Creston High School from 9 to 11 p.m. Here are some of the other benefits and vigils organized to remember or assist the seven murder victims or their families. -- Tonight: 8:30 p.m. candlelight Vigil at Ah-Nab-Awen Park near the Gerald R. Ford Museum. The museum will open its parking lots near the corner of Pearl Street and Scribner Avenue. More information is available on the vigil Facebook page. --Wednesday: 7 p.m. community church service to remember victims of the mass murders, Second Congregational Church, 525 Cheshire Drive NE. The service was announced today by Mayor George Heartwell. --Fundraiser: Huntington Bank has created an account to accept donations to support the families and individuals connected with Thursday's tragic shootings and hostage situation in Grand Rapids. Details are available here.